The NFL says it will release the 2010 regular-season schedule Tuesday night.

Usually, the schedule is announced in late March or early April, but several adjustments are being made this year. The league wants as many divisional games as possible in the final two weeks, hoping it makes late-season matchups more meaningful and prevents teams that have clinched playoff berths from resting starters.

The season will open with the now-traditional Thursday night game hosted by the Super Bowl champions. The New Orleans Saints’ opponent has not been announced yet, either.